'It's unreal' - Ash Barty delighted to reach her maiden Australian Open final on home soil after beating Madison Keys

Ash Barty says it is “unreal” to be in her first Australian Open final after breezing past Madison Keys 6-1 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena. Barty has spent just over six hours on court en route to her first Grand Slam final on home soil and will face either Iga Swiatek or Danielle Collins in the final. Ad/> Although Barty admitted after the match she «probably won't watch» the other semi, she is delighted to have the chance to win the title.

Australian OpenBarty eases into final with dominant win over Keys3 HOURS AGO “It’s unreal," she said on-court after the victory. «It’s just incredible I love this tournament and playing in Australia. As an Aussie we are incredibly spoilt that we are a Grand Slam nation and we get to play at home.

“I’m just happy that I get to play my best tennis here. I enjoy it. I’ve done well before and now I have the chance to play for a title.

It’s unreal.» Barty eases into final with dominant win over Keys McEnroe backs Williams to make another 'real run' at a Grand Slam title Barty says the hot and humid conditions in Melbourne meant she had to adapt in order to get a positive outcome against Keys, who had only dropped one set before their semi-final meeting. “The conditions were really different tonight. It’s nice and humid," she said.

«This is Brisbane weather. It was humid, the ball was slower and heavier off the strings. “I tried to run and adapt, get as many balls as I could and keep her under the pump on her serve because she’s got the ability to really take it away from you really quickly without you realising what’s happening.